2017 Media Releases

Female sport receives major boost with new facilities opened at Greenhill Reserve

12 April 2017

Sporting clubs in Wallan will be better prepared to cope with rapidly rising female participation rates thanks to a major pavilion extension at Greenhill Reserve.

A $471,000 upgrade of the exiting pavilion has been completed and was officially opened on Tuesday.

The improvements include two changerooms with their own amenities, accessible public toilets with baby changing facilities, umpires’ rooms, timekeeping and first aid facilities.

The project was funded by the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund ($421,000) and Mitchell Shire Council ($50,000).

Last season, Wallan Football Netball Club fielded several senior and junior netball teams and four female football teams, while Wallan Junior Football Club had three all girls’ sides. Female cricket teams are also expected in the near future.

The number of teams are expected to increase in the coming years on the back of the success of the inaugural AFLW competition, the Women’s Big Bash League and innovations such as Super Netball. Population growth is also driving increased demand.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Rhonda Sanderson said the upgrade was a big win for women and female sports participation.

“This project was desperately needed as there were inadequate facilities to cater for our growing number of female athletes,” Cr Sanderson said.

“These facilities will allow us to keep pace with Wallan’s growth and the forecast continued rise of participation in female sport.

“I hope that significant investments in projects like this will continue to encourage females to take up a sport.”

Cr Sanderson said it was yet another example of Council working with the State Government to boost health and wellbeing outcomes in the Shire.

“We are extremely grateful to have been given significant funds to help us extend this facility which will have many social and wellbeing benefits now and into the future,” she said.

“This is one of many major projects in the area recently including the Community Bank ® Adventure Playground, the new southern Mitchell community centre in greater Beveridge, the Wallan Town Centre revitalisation, Wallan Family and Children’s Centre and a second netball court that’s underway at Greenhill Reserve.”

“I’d also like to thank the Committee of Management and sporting clubs associated with Greenhill Reserve for their support in delivering this project, as well as all its users for their patience during construction.”